Combined stool and stepladder



Sept. 1, 1934.

A, E. HINDLE COMBINED STOOL AND STEPLADDER Filed Jun 29, 1932 2 sheets-sheet l Sept. 11, 1934. A E. HINDLE COMBINED sTooL AND STEPLADDER Filed June 29, 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Sept. l1, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 3 Claims.

'Ihis invention relatesto a combined stool and step-ladder, and more particularly to a device of this character which may be conveniently employed in the capacities designated and likewise as a cabinet for the storage of materials.

An important object of the invention is the provision of a structure of this character providing a two-step ladder in which the structure is foldable to produce a stool and in which one of the steps forms a drawer.

A further object of the invention is the provision of means whereby a drawer, normally disposed in an elevated position, may be moved rst outwardly and then downwardly to enable its use as a step.

A further object of the invention is the provision of means whereby the drawer when in use as a step may be very securely connected with the stool.

A still further object'of the invention is the provision of an efficient guiding means for the drawer during withdrawal and vertical movements thereof.

These and other objects I attain by the construction shown in the accompanying drawings wherein, for the purpose of illustration I have shown a preferred embodiment of my invention and wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a combined stool and step-ladder constructed in accordance with my invention;

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view therethrough;

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view illustrating the position of the roller and arm in the lowered position of the drawer;

Fig. 4 is a section on line 4-4 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail view showing the method of connecting the locking tongue; and

Fig. 6 is a section on line 6 6 of Fig. 2.

Referring now more particularly to the Adrawings, the numeral 10 generally designates a stool top supported by legs 11. These legs are connected by vertical and horizontal wall members designated at 12 and 13 respectively and combining with the legs to produce a drawer compartment 14 for the reception of a drawer 15. 'Ihe drawer 15 is preferably equipped with a hinged lid 15-a affording access to the interior thereof and manipulation of this drawer may be eiected through a pull 15-b secured thereto. Dependent from the outer edge of the horizontal Wall 13 is a vertical wall 16 forming the inner wall of a pocket 17, of which the outer wall is formed by a second vertical wall 18. Seated upon the lower horizontal wall'of the compartment are a pair of slide strips 19 over which the bottom wall 20 of the drawer is adapted to slide as the drawer moves to its closed position. These slides are separated from one another and from the side walls of legs 11 for a purpose presently 30 to appear.

The rear wall of drawer 15 has a. projecting ledge 21, from the rear face of which depends a locking tongue 22 adapted to enter the pocket 17 through the open upper end thereof when aligned therewith. The outer wall of the pocket has an upwardly projecting shoulder 23 adapted to engage the lower end of this tongue as the drawer is moved outwardly in compartment 14 and limit the outward movements of the drawer with the tongue in alignment with the pocket.A The upper end of the drawer has projecting inwardly therefrom a pair of arms 24, these arms being adapted to slide against the inner faces of the legs 11 and being each equipped with a roller 25 operating in an inverted L-shaped slot 26 formed in the inner face of the side wall. The vertical leg of the slot 26 is formed adjacent the edge of the stool leg 11, and its horizontal leg adjacent the top of the stool leg, and the roller 25 operating 80 in this slot provides the guide for the upper end of the drawer as the drawer is moved vertically to a position where it can enter the compartment and then horizontally to dispose it in the compartment.

During horizontal movement into the compartment, the bottom of the drawer slides upon the slide strips 19 and when in position the drawer rests upon these strips. The arms 24 serve as guides to prevent angular displacement of the drawer. The legs 11 of the stool are connected at their lower ends by the horizontal partition element 27 which partition element combined with the inner wall of 'pocket 17 and the bottom and inner walls of comparment 14 95 and the stool top 10 form a compartment chamber provided with shelving 28 and a door 29.

Since the construction illustrated is, obviously, capable of a certain range of change and modication without in any manner departing from the spirit of the invention, I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself thereto except as hereinafter claimed.

I claim:

1. In combination, a stool including a top, supporting legs therefor, means combining with said legs and top to produce a drawer compartment, a drawer in said compartment, means to limit withdrawal of the drawer from the cornpartment, said drawer when at the withdrawal limit being vertically movablevto place its lower end in engagement with a surface on which the legs are resting and means including a vertical tongue secured to and spaced from the rear wall of said drawer preventing separation of the stool and drawer when the drawer is in its lowered position.

2. In combination, a stool including a top, supporting legs therefor, walls combining with said legs and top to produce a drawer compartment, a drawer in said compartment, a tongue on the rear wall of said drawer, means providing a pocket depending from and opening through the lower wall of the compartment adjacent the outer edge thereof and adapted to receive said tongue, and' a stop carried by a wall of the drawer compartment against which the tongue when the tongue is in alignment with the pocket.

3. In combination a stool including a top, supporting legs therefor, means combininwith said legs and top to produce a drawer compartment, a drawer in said compartment, means to limit withdrawal of the drawer from the compartment, said drawer when at the withdrawal limit being vertically movable to place its lower end co-planar with the bottom ends of the legs, a tongue secured to the rear of said drawer in spaced relation with respect thereto and means providing a pocket extending from the lower wall of the compartment adjacent the outer edge thereof and arranged to receive said tongue,

when said drawer is moved vertically at its withdrawal limit. Y

ALBERT E. HINDLE.

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